Hook-on power-factor indicator



Aug. 15, 1950 R. M. ROWELL HQOK-ON POWER FACTOR INDICATOR Filed June 17, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 oPLF M n o. .r m .0 MW% A P R Patented Aug. 15, 1950 Ralph M. Rcwell, Lynn, Mass., assignontoi Genoral. Electric Company, a. corporation. of; New

York

Application June 1'7, 1948?, Serial No 33 ,562

ing. apparatus; that may be connected to disconnected from apower' circuit to be metered without opening the circuit. It may be used to measuraeitherleadingor lagging power factor of a three-phase.- circnit, In carrying. my inventioninto'efiechl employ analternating current watt.- meter having: a. zero-center scale adapted to be energized in.- response to. the current. of the 011".- cuitbeingmetered by a hook-on-type ofmagnetic circuit, and; with its. voltage winding selectively energized through a potentiometer resistor con.- nected. across two wires of the. three-phase cireuitiand capable. of. shifting the phase anglev between current: and voltage to produce a. quadrature relation and. a nullreading, on the wat meter. The potentiometer provided with; one or. more scales. calibrated, directly in terms of poweriactor. entire apparatus. is built. as. a. salt-contained unit.

. The; features or. myinventionwhich. are believed to. be novel and. patentable. will be pointed. out in the claims appended hereto. For. better understanding of my inventionsreference is made in the. following description to the accompanying. drawings in whichFig. 1 represents alimited. measurement. range embodiment. or my invention which employsfa. reversing switchfin the. potential. circuit. Figure 2= shows. the. circuit arrangement. tor the apparatusofl Fig. 1,. and Figs.

3 and. 4. are.- vector diagrams. explanatoryflofi' the.

manner. oi operation. of theapparatus at Fig... 1.. Figure i i/represents the. essential teatures of a.

widerange. power-factor meter embodying my in:

vention; Fig. 6. the wiring diagram. therelior; and; L

7., .8',I and. 9 vector diagrams explanatory of the. operation of. the apparatus of Fig, 5.

Referring now to Figs- I and 2,, the apparatus is. housed in an. easil portable casing l of suit..- able insulating, material having a handle. E. The casing. contains a. magnetic circuit 3 which. ex: tends through theupper wall and is provided with an external. hook 4 hinged at 5 so asto be. hooked. over and tomagneti'caily enclose a current cable the circuit to' be metered. The hook isso'. formed. that when open, as, indicated in dotted lines. .itma'y be closed: by placing] the part 6; againstithe cable and pressing upward. with the handle, and can be, opened by resting the part 1? against the cable and pulling down withythe handle. the operator does not need to contact. the cable and may. perform. the hookon and off operations with one hand. A toggle spring 8' is provided to hold the hook in either closed. or open positions. Within the cas- Claims. (Cl. 17.2-2 15i).-

ing'; is a wattmeter. 9,,see. Fig; 2; Preferably; the magnetiacircuit of the wattmeter and the-boob on. magnetic; circuit 3 are; common, as indicated; in Fig. 5, but. in the wiring, diagranri. of Fig. 2 they areshownseparate, and connected in enter gizing relationv by a secondary coil- IE] on the hook-on current transformer 3-4 and a current coil I I on the magnetic circuit of the wattmetei' and theconnecting wires t2; V

In! Fig}. 2; the. wires; A, B, and C. represent 3)- three-phase sourceot alternating currentsup ply and I.3 a load. connected. thereto. My apparatusl shownE as connected to: measure. the. power factor of the three-phase circuit. The moving voltagercoil. I4;- oi. the. wattmeteris cone nected from one.- wire 33; of the threeephase; circuitto the adjustable tap; 1.5 of. a resistance: potentiometer which. connected across the: other two. wires. A. and. C. of the three-phase circuit. There is. a. reversingswitch. [6, between the voltage connections to linesB and 0,. and themeter and potentiometer connections of all. voltage. circuits. preferably contain fuses. indicated. at IT, The. resistance. at 21. is. merely a current reducing, re.- sistance and. will have. a. value which may vary for different voltage circuits. The. fuses, poitentiometer and reversing switch are housed in the casing .l of Fig. 1', and. the operating handles. for the. potentiometer and switch are indicated. by corresponding reference characters in Figs. 1, and 2', The terminals marked A, B, and C in Fig. 11 indicate the, voltage connecting terminals; to, the three phases A, B, C, Fig. 2. The watt meter has a pointer 1'8 indicating on a. scale f9 01" the zero-center type such that the pointer is at: the, center of; the scale when the wattmeter is not energized, oris energized under zero poWer-iactm conditions. The potentiometer is provided with a calibrated. power-factor scale 28 on which the. adjusted tap 15 indicates as a. pointer. In Fig; 1

this scale is graduated from .5 to l. power factor and may be leading or lagging, depending; upon the position of the reversing switch It when the wattmeter'reads zero.

The procedure for measuring power factor is to establish the connections represented in Fig;

2 and adjust the potentiometer until the watt meter reads. zero. If a zero deflection cannot be obtained with. such connection, the reversing I switch I6 is turned. to the other position and the potentiometer adjusted until a null or zero wattlagging. The apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2 is not intended to measure power factors below .5 but will indicate that the power factor is below this value by failure to obtain a zero wattmeter indication. The theory of such measurements is explained with the aid of the vector diagrams of Figs. 3 and 4. Figure 3 represents the vector diagram for the connections represented in Fig. 2. The vector A1 is assumed to represent the current in line A; A-B the voltage between lines A and B; B--C the voltage between lines B and C, etc. at unity power factor.

With the potentiometer tap I5 set at unity power factor, the voltage applied to the voltage coil of the wattmeter will be that across lines B-C, and the wattmeter will read zero since the current and voltage are 90 degrees out of phase as represented in Fig. 3. Now let us assume that the current A lags because of an inductive load. If the potentiometer tap I5 is still set at unity power factor, the phase angle between current and volt ge in the wattmeter would change and the wattmeter would deflect. By moving the tap I5 to the right, the vector BC, Fig. 3, is rotated clockwise until the 90-degree relation is again es-' tablished and the wattmeter reads zero. If the current A lags by 60 degrees, also represented in Fig. 3 by A1 lag corresponding to .5 power factor, it will be necessary to move the potentiometer tap I5 to the extreme right of its resistance to obtain zero wattmeter deflection. This would connect the voltage coil of the wattmeter across lines A and B and establish the Bil-degree relation represented between A1 lag and vector AB. The potentiometer may thus be calibrated in power factor and will indicate power factor when adjusted to cause a null or zero wattmeter reading. In case the power factor becomes leading,

this will be indicated by an increase in wattmeter reading when the potentiometer is shifted from unity toward .5 on its scale; and it is then necessary to operate the reversing switch Hi to themdication Lead. In this connection the wattmeter potential coil is connected across phase B-C when the potentiometer is at the unity power-factor position, and across A-C when at the .5 power-factor position. Figure 4,,A1 lead indicates a (SO-degree leading power-factor condition for the current A1, 90 degrees in phase from voltage vector AC. The wattmeter will thus read zero when the potentiometer is adjusted to the .5 power-factor position and will read zero for higher leading power-factor conditions with corresponding intermediate adjustments of the potentiometer between 1. and .5. Thus the single power-factor scale and potentiometer, together with the reversing switch i6, enable the accurate measurement of all power factors not less than .5. leading or lagging. It is assumed that the threephase circuit is balanced. However, forunbal anced power-factor, current; or voltage conditions, the current transformer may be hooked over different line phases and the voltage connections shifted accordingly to investigate. and measure unbalanced power-factor conditions. In any connection the correct position of the reversing switch 16 can be determined by setting the potentiometer for unity power factor. If the wattmeter reads to the left or shaded portion of the scale l9, Fig. 1, the switch should be reversed. The potentiometer can then be adjusted to obtain the correct power factor, and the position of the reversing switch will indicate whether it is leading or lagging. I I

In the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 5,

provision is made for the measurement of power factor over the complete measurement range including zero power factor. A reversing switch is not used but the different power-factor ranges are obtained by hooking the current energizing circuit over different current phases. Also some of the structural details differ from the apparatus of Fig. 1. The exposed portions of the hook-on magnetic circuit are preferably covered by insulating material 22. To assure that the closed reluctance of the hook-on magnetic circuit will always be the same for a given calibration and to afford some adjustment of the calibration, the air gap 23 at the opening of the hook-on jaws is made adjustable and definite by an adjustable stop screw 26 in the tail of the hinged hook and which rests against the fixed part of frame I when the jaws are substantially closed. The moving coil [4 of the wattmeter element is contained in an air gap which is directly in the hook-on magnetic circuit, and no secondary current transformer winding or stationary wattmeter current coil is required. The hook-on magnetic circuit serves the multiple purpose of a hook-on current transformer and wattmeter magnetic circuit, or the primary cable over which it is hooked may be considered as the current coil of the wattmeter.

The single potentiometer is provided with three power-factor scales marked A, B and C, only scale C being indicated in Fig. 6. The position of the potentiometer is adjusted by a hands [5 which carries a transparent indexing member l5a and by means of which theselected power-factor scale is read. The voltage connecting terminals are represented at 24, and renewable fuses for each voltage circuit at 25. The voltage terminals are marked A, B, and C to coordinate them with the power-factor scales employed. The circuit connections for use of scale C andthe vector diagram of Fig. 7 are represented in Fig. 6, where it is noted that the current is coupled to current phase C, and the potentiometer resistance is connected across phases B and C and the moving coil M of the wattmeter between the potentiometer" and voltage phase A. In Fig. 6 the stationary cur'- rent coil M of the wattmeter is represented in aconventional way as supplied from a current transformer but it is to be understood that the actual arrangement is as described and illustrated in connection with Fig. 5. For theconnection of Fig. 6 the lag C scale of the potentiometer is used. Figure '7 represents the condition for 60 degrees lagging current and a zero reading of the wattmeter when the potentiometer is adjusted to the .5 power-factor end of its,

B scale. Note that power-factor graduations on the B scale are in reverse to that of the C scale, and that for a .5 power-factor leading measurement the potentiometer will be adjustedto the left end of the resistance and. the wattmeter voltage circuit energized from across phases A and B.

For power-factor measurements below .5 the Figure 8 [represents this connection with the phase B current leading. by 60 degrees and the power factor is read on the amencir'c-uit is energized ty sh irtmg the hookonma-gneti-c-circuit toembrace phase A} and pow 'eriactor isread cn scaled. Whenthe-current' is 9'0 degrees and 60 degrees lagg i r-ig; the current A vector will shift between the horizontal line marked 0 F. F1 in Fig; 9 pointing to the right and the vector marked ""A Lag, and the wattmeter will read zero for the 60-deg-ree lag .5 power-f actor condition whenthepotentiometer is at-the left end or the scale, and willread zero a zero power factor when the potentiometer is attire midpoint of its resistance and scale; and the wattmet'er will read zero for. a .5 leading power factor when the potentiometer is at the right end of itsresistance and scale.

1 In" shitting the hcolbon current energizing magnetic circuit from one phaselead' to'theother, eare should' be taken not to reverse the direction of current flow "to the load therethrough'; otherwise the measurements will become confused. Suitable instructions for the connections and use of the apparatus will accompany each device which, if followed, will prevent confusion of the measurements.

It is seen that I have provided portable selfcontained three-phase power=factor measuring apparatus that can: be quickly connected to a power circuit without opening the line; The apparatus is reasonablysa-fe: endeasy to use. The null type of indicator and calibrated air gap in the magnetic circuit assume good measurement ac'curacy.

While the wattmeters referred; to in the apparatus described are not primarily intended for measuring watts, they may be used for measuring single -phase watts and will come in handy at times for approximately indicating the watts flowing in different phases of the three-phase circuit and the direction thereof, and to obtain total Wattage by addition. Thus. in Fig. 2, with the tap 45 adjusted to the right end of the potentiometer resistance, the meter will indicate the watts .fiowing in the phase portion AB of the circuit.

Then by hooking the magnetic circuit 34 over conductor C and moving the tap IE to the left of its resistance, the power in phase portion CB will be indicated. The scale of the wattmeter may be calibrated for such'measurements as indicated in Fi 1.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes I have described the principle of operation of my invention, together with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention may be carried out by other means.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A hook-on type of power-factor meter for three-phase circuits comprising a portable casing having a handle at one end, a magnetic circuit within said casing and'extending from the other end of said casing and including an external hinged section for coupling themagnetic circuit with one of the conductors of the circuit to be metered, a single-phas indicating type alternating current wattmeter in said casing adapted to have its field energized in response to the current flow in such conductor through said magnetic circuit, a resistance within said casing adapted to be connected across two of the conductors of the three-phase circuit to be metered, a. tap adjustable along said resistance and connections for energizing the voltage circuit of" said wattmeter from-the remainingiconductor of the; three-phase circuit to be metered and said adjustable potentiometer tapra scale. on. said. casing and an indicator movable: with said adjustable tap for indie eating on. said. scale, said scale being; graduated in powerfactor designations such that when the: potentiometer is. adjusted to cause the energized. wattmeter'toi read zero the. power factor of' said circuit is indicated on said. scale.

' 2.. A hook-on type: of three-phase power-factor measuring apparatus comprising a portable casingz, azmagnetic circuit within said casing'and extending from one end of said casing, and including an external hinged hook portion whereby the magnetic circuit may be coupled with one of the conductors oiJ-the circuit to be metered, a singlephase indicating type: alternating current Watt.- meter' insaid casing. adapted to have its field en.- ergized. through said magnetic circuitin responseto current flow in the. cenductor coupled therewith,,a resistance. within said casing adapted. tobeconnected across. two or the lines of such threephase: circuit, a tap. adjustable along said resistancc, connections for energizing the voltage circuit of said wattmeter from the remaining line of such circuit and said adjustable tap, a two-- position-switch on said casing for selectively in-- tercha-nging one of theline connections of saidresistance and the line connection of the voltagecircuit of. said. wattm'eter, a scale on said casing, and. an' indicator therefor moved over said scale by the adjustment oi. saidtap, said scale being. graduated in power-factor designations from .5- to 1. such. that when. the tap is adjusted to cause the energized wattmeter to read zero with said switch innone position. the indicator indicates the leading power factor, and when adjusted to cause the energized wattmeter to read zero with said switch in the other position the indicator indicates the lagging power factor of such threephase circuit.

3. A hook-on type of power-factor measuring apparatus for three-phase circuits comprising a portable casing, a magnetic circuit within said casing and extending from one end thereof and provided with an external hinged section to en-- able the magnetic circuit to be selectively coupled with any one of the conductors of the circuit to be metered, an indicating type of single-phase wattmeter within said casing having its field energized in response to current flow in the conductor with which said magnetic circuit is coupled, a resistance Within said casing adapted to be energized in response to the voltage across two of the lines of such circuit, a tap adjustable along said resistance, connections for energizing the voltage circuit of said wattmeter in response to the voltage between said adjustable tap and the remaining line of such circuit, three scales on said casing, an indicator moved with said adjustable tap and indicating on said scales, said three scales being graduated to respectively indicate the power factor of said circuit when the tap is adjusted to cause the energized wattmeter to read zero and said magnetic circuit is separately coupled with the three conductors of said circuit respectively. 1

4. Apparatus for the measurement of power factor on three-phase circuits comprising a portable casing having a handle at one end, a magnetic circuit partially Within and extending out of the other end of said casing, said magnetic circuit having a hinged external section whereby it may be coupled with a conductor of the circuit to be metered and having a graduated stop for calibrating the air gap reluctance of themagnetic circuit when the hinged section is in the closed coupling position, an air gap in said magnetic circuit within said casing, a single moving coil in said last-mentioned air gap, said moving coil and magnetic circuit when coupled with such conductor constituting an alternating current wattmeter of the indicating type, a resistance potenti-r ometer within said casin having an adjustable tap, a power-factor scale on said casing, an indicator moved in response to such potentiometer adjustment for indicating on said scale, terminals on said casing for making voltage connections to the circuit to be metered and connections between said terminals and said moving coil and said resistance and between the adjustable tap of said potentiometer and moving coil for energizing said moving coil through said potentiometer from such circuit, the adjustment of said potentiometer causing a phase shift in the voltage energization of said wattmeter, and said scale and indicator bein graduated to in dicate the power factor of such circuit when the energized wattmeter indicates zero.

- 5. A"hook-on type of power-factor measuring apparatus comprising a portable casing, a magnetic circuit within said casing and extending from one end of said casing and including an external hinged hook portion whereby said magnetic circuit may be coupled with one of the conductors of the circuit to be metered, an indicating type alternating current wattmeter in said casing adapted to have its field energized through said magnetic circuit in response to current flow in the conductor coupled therewith, a phase shifting network within said casing including an adjustablettap resistance, a pointer moved with the adjustable tap of said resistance, a powerfactor scale on said casing on which said pointer indicates, connections for energizing the voltage circuit of said wattmeter from the voltage of the line to he metered through said adjustable resistance, and a two-position switch on said casing for selectively interchanging certain of said voltage connections, the phase relation of the voltage applied to the voltage circuit of said wattmeter relative to the current in the conductor coupled with the wattmeter field being shifted both by adjustment of said resistance and the operation of said switch such that when the switch is in one of its selected positions the position of said pointer on the power-factor scale indicates the leading power factor of the circuit when the wattmeter indicates zero and when the switch is in the other of its selected positions the position of said pointer on the power-factor scale indicates the lagging power factor of the circuit when the wattmeter indicates zero.

RALPH M. ROWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain June 6, 1933 

